Meaning: Ralph Bakshi, the director of the animated film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," expressed his desire to have the original ending to the film instead of the one that was ultimately released. In Bakshi's original vision, he intended to conclude the film with the victory at Helm's Deep as the final sequence. This statement provides insight into Bakshi's creative vision for the film and his dissatisfaction with the released ending.

Bakshi's "The Lord of the Rings" was released in 1978 and was a groundbreaking animated adaptation of Tolkien's epic fantasy novel. The film was ambitious in its attempt to capture the rich narrative and complex world-building of the source material. However, due to various constraints, including time and budget limitations, Bakshi faced challenges in fully realizing his creative vision for the film.

The quote reflects Bakshi's frustration with the compromises and constraints that impacted the final cut of the film. By expressing his preference for the original ending, Bakshi reveals his dissatisfaction with the released version and his belief that the conclusion he had initially envisioned would have been more fitting for the adaptation of Tolkien's work.

In Bakshi's original cut, the victory at Helm's Deep would have served as the culminating moment, providing a sense of triumph and resolution for the characters and the storyline. Helm's Deep is a pivotal and climactic battle in Tolkien's narrative, and Bakshi's choice to conclude the film with this event suggests his intention to capture the epic scale and emotional impact of this key moment in the story.

The decision to deviate from the released ending indicates a discrepancy between Bakshi's creative vision and the final product that reached audiences. This misalignment underscores the complexities and challenges often faced in the filmmaking process, particularly in adapting beloved literary works to the screen.

Bakshi's statement also raises questions about the influence of external factors, such as studio decisions and audience expectations, on the shaping of a film's conclusion. It highlights the tension that can arise between a director's artistic vision and the commercial or logistical considerations that can impact the final edit of a film.

Furthermore, the quote offers a glimpse into the director's perspective on the significance of endings in storytelling. By expressing his preference for the original ending, Bakshi emphasizes the importance of a conclusion that resonates with the thematic and emotional core of the narrative. His desire to conclude the film with the victory at Helm's Deep suggests a focus on the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and triumph that are central to Tolkien's work.

In conclusion, Ralph Bakshi's statement about the original ending of "The Lord of the Rings" sheds light on his creative vision for the film and his dissatisfaction with the released conclusion. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the filmmaking process, as well as the significance of a well-crafted ending in capturing the essence of a story.